id |
caadria2025_173 |
authors |
Lu, Hung Wen and Hou, June Hao |
year |
2025 |
title |
Computational Modeling and Controlled Free-fall Stacking Strategies of Star-shaped Particles for Aggregate Structures |
source |
Dagmar Reinhardt, Nicolas Rogeau, Christiane M. Herr, Anastasia Globa, Jielin Chen, Taro Narahara (eds.), ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATICS - Proceedings of the 30th CAADRIA Conference, Tokyo, 22-29 March 2025, Volume 2, pp. 429–438 |
summary |
This study investigates the stability of granular stacking in architectural design by exploring how particle geometry and deposition methods affect structural performance. Addressing the challenge of creating cohesive structures with non-cohesive particles, four star-shaped particles (Tetrapod, Hexapod, Octapod, and Dodecapod) were tested under two stacking strategies: layered arrangement stacking (LAS) and randomly arranged stacking (RAS). Simulations modeled columns, walls, cantilevers, and arches to assess interlocking effects and stability. Results demonstrate that RAS achieves stronger interlocking and greater stability, particularly in complex forms, while LAS provides enhanced control through staged particle drops, allowing gradual settlement layer by layer. A custom computational component was developed to precisely control particle drop positions and sequences, integrating with the FlexHopper simulation engine to simulate realistic stacking behaviors. These simulations were validated against physical prototypes, showing a close alignment between digital and physical outcomes. This research introduces a method for controlled free-fall stacking that expands the potential of granular materials in architectural applications, enabling the design of innovative and adaptable aggregate structures. |
keywords |
Digital Simulation, Granular Materials, Star-Shaped Particles, Geometric Interlock, Real-Time Stacking |
series |
CAADRIA |
email |
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full text |
file.pdf (3,262,021 bytes) |
references |
Content-type: text/plain
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last changed |
2025/04/18 12:26 |
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